Mohammad Zoabi: A Brave Arab Israeli

One 17-year-old Muslim teen is risking his life to support Israel.

Looking out a window onto the Syrian border a few miles away, Mohammed Zoabi, a 17-year-old Arab Israeli said that he felt glad to live in Israel, a nation committed to democracy and human rights. “I really believe that I'm a lucky Arab and a lucky human being and a lucky Middle Easterner that I was born in this little tiny piece of land!”

A proud Zionist, Zoabi – like people across Israel – has shared his nation’s pain over the kidnapping of the three teenage boys – Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel – by Hamas terrorists.

As Israel continues to search for the kidnapped boys, Zoabi decided to do what he could to help, and to show solidarity with the missing boys. At home with his mother in Nazareth, he put together a home-made video and posted it on-line. Standing in what looks like his bedroom, Zoabi gazes at the camera and speaks – in Hebrew, Arabic and English – imploring the kidnappers to release their captives: “On the day before yesterday, these three youths were abducted,” he says, “and tomorrow it could be you or any other Israeli – Arab or Jewish.”

“I am an Israeli and will remain an Israeli. Israel will remain a Jewish and democratic country,” Zoabi promises in a voice raw with emotion. At the end of his appeal, he unfolds an Israeli flag, holds it up to the camera, and intones the Hebrew phrase Am Yisrael Chai, the Nation of Israel Lives. Within days, Zoabi’s heartfelt video had gone viral.

Unfortunately, when an Arab Israeli expresses patriotism he is taking an enormous risk with his life.

Three days after Mohammed Zoabi posted his video, Israeli police arrested three men in his own family, ages 40 to 60, for plotting to cause him harm in retaliation for his video. Zoabi’s mother was also brought in for questioning. Fearful that Zoabi’s foes might shoot at the building, their landlord asked them to move out of their Nazareth apartment. Israel’s Education Ministry issued Zoabi a security detail, and assigned guards to his school, as police continue to work to foil the plot within his own family to hurt him.

His cousin, Hanin Zoab, a Knesset member in the Balad faction who is implacably opposed to Israel’s very existence and is committed to the destruction of the country in whose legislature she serves, said she doesn’t regard the kidnappers of the three Israeli teens as terrorists. She derided Mohammed as a sleazy, mixed-up kid who has identity issues.

Hanin Zoabi statements were so offensive that Israeli police feared she might become a target of violence herself, and placed a security detail around her and her close family members, an act of concern and protection from the country she professes to despise. (Another recent example of Israel’s compassion: In the midst of the search for the missing teens, an Israeli hospital near Tel Aviv operated on Amina Abbas, the wife of Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas.)

Mohammed Zoabi isn’t the only Arab who incurred the wrath of his community for supporting Israel. The week before the kidnappings, Prof. Mohammed Dajani, a distinguished academic who taught for years at the Arab university Al-Quds in Jerusalem, was forced to resign his post. His “crime” was taking a group of Arab students on an educational trip to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust; critics decried his attempts to teach about Jewish suffering, fearing that it might humanize Jews and the Jewish state. The anger directed against Prof. Dajani was so fierce that he needed bodyguards to protect him after the trip.

And a day after police broke up the plot to harm Mohammed Zoabi, another Arab Israeli 17-year-old, Yihye Zakaria Mahmameed, also received death threats when he posted a picture of himself holding a sign saying “Bring back our boys” on Facebook. Both he and his sister were terrorized for expressing solidarity with their fellow Israeli teens, receiving comments like “you cannot stay alive” and “we want to murder you.” Mahmaameed and his sister are currently staying in their family home, too afraid even to go to school.

In the hours since Israeli police broke up the plot of his family members against him, Mohammed Zoabi has issued a statement saying that he’s received numerous death threats because of his video. He has therefore decided to keep a “low profile” for now.

But his commitment to Israel remains unabated, his solidarity with his fellow Israelis – no matter what their religion – is undimmed. “I will continue to speak up for what is right” he promised. “I’m safe, and will continue to be safe, especially in a great country like Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.”

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About the Author

Yvette Alt Miller earned her B.A. at Harvard University. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Jewish Studies at Oxford University, and has a Ph.D. In International Relations from the London School of Economics. She lives with her family in Chicago, and has lectured internationally on Jewish topics. Her book Angels at the table: a Practical Guide to Celebrating Shabbat takes readers through the rituals of Shabbat and more, explaining the full beautiful spectrum of Jewish traditions with warmth and humor. It has been praised as "life-changing", a modern classic, and used in classes and discussion groups around the world.

Visitor Comments: 49

Mohammad, You are the hope of Israel, and people like you are the hope of the world. May the Creator of all of us keep you safe, and may you take your cousin's place in the Knesset!

(43)
Anonymous,
July 2, 2014 5:42 AM

Showbiz

Hogwash!

Keith, UK,
July 2, 2014 10:03 PM

Do You Think So?...

It's so easy to make an "anonymous" statement such as yours. Could there be a "hidden agenda" applying here?..If you feel so inclined, just have a look at comment #31 if you can be "bothered".To me, your "anonymous" statement pales into total insignificance when compared with the amazing bravery of young Mohammad. For my original comment just look at comment #16. Try being constructive. It's the only way for "tikkun olam" to be being fulfilled, or does that not apply to the way that YOU feel?..

LOVE CONQUERS HATE

Keith, UK

(42)
Anonymous,
July 2, 2014 1:24 AM

An Address from a true humanitrian.

I was so moved by his support of and love for Israel. it made me cry. .

(41)
Diane DeMarco,
July 1, 2014 8:54 PM

God Bless Him

May God bless this courageous and outspoken young man. His spirit and intelligence are only surpassed by his bravery. It is a sad day for Israel and the world that his prayers were not answered when Eyal, Naftali and Gilad were found murdered in a cave. May God rest their souls.

(40)
Monica,
June 30, 2014 2:37 PM

May G-d bless him and protect him always!

What a lesson for everyone in this world coming from a young man who has not lived long enough to have this spirit of wisdom and courage. It can only come from one source, the One Who created us all. May the Lord surround you with His holy angels and be with you always!

(39)
Ariella,
June 26, 2014 2:43 PM

Amazing guy

Mohammad - I'm so proud of you. It gives us hope when someone is brave enough to speak the truth, and smart enough to think for himself. I'm sorry that this has put you in danger. You don't deserve to be threatened for sticking up for your country, and for the kidnapped boys. I wish that you remain safe, and that we see great things from you.

(38)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2014 4:38 PM

Treat people as individuals

Mohammed, you are a light in the darkness and remind us that we must treat each person as an individual. Keep up your courage and thank you! Israelis, please protect this brave young man!

(37)
ruben,
June 24, 2014 4:12 PM

welcome

You will be blessed by the God of Israel.

(36)
Koose E Mack,
June 24, 2014 2:29 PM

I love this kid!

Every time I see this young man talk, I want to adopt him. G-d bless and protect him!!!! Someone should, cause his own family and neighbors would like to do him harm!

(35)
mary,
June 23, 2014 3:59 PM

bless you friend...under His wings He will hide you...bless Israel and be blessed

(34)
Anonymous,
June 22, 2014 11:54 PM

What an insightful young man

Mohammed Zoabi, may you be blessed with a long and prosperous life for the courage you had in posting that video! We love your dedication to Israel and we love you!!

(33)
Anonymous,
June 22, 2014 6:46 PM

A courageous young man thank you!

Kids get what the reality on the ground is. Adults have agendas in everything we do.May the purity of this message humble all of the adults (men)Who Are a party to this kid napping in some way or another Either by being the actual perpetrator, or an enabler the only thing violence achieves is pain and destructionGolda Meir was core there will be peace only when Arabs love their children more then they hate the Jewish PeopleAnd I will add that Peace will come with Gds help when Israel follows the Ratzon Hashem, the will of Gd , as long as the Israeli government and the people of Israel remain secular, Gd will not help

(32)
Laura,
June 22, 2014 6:39 PM

Thank you!

Thank you so much!

(31)
Albert Hache,
June 22, 2014 5:33 AM

A new type of Israeli hero

Hatred only detroys the soul of those who hate. More and more Arabs see the harm the hatred inherent to their distorted religion does to their kids. It takes great courage for the likes of Mohammad Zoabi to speak out. To brand him a confused kid only shows the level of bigotry which plagues the older Arab generation. Peace !

Dee,
June 22, 2014 4:50 PM

Brave Young Man

When the young who are free in the land of Israel rise up against the hate of their radial wing the world will begin to see that the only free Arab is living in the land of the Jews. Israel the rest have no freedom. Good for him but as always they want to silence the truth. Zoabi's dousing on the other hand is a traitor to her own people by perpetrating the lie. Sad

(30)
Shirlee Rosenthal,
June 22, 2014 1:34 AM

Beautiful

This was a wonderful message. It is also sad that because he spoke his mind is life is in jeopardy and his family had to be evicted from their home. God bless you Mohammed Zoabi. Shirlee

(29)
Lexi,
June 21, 2014 8:54 AM

Thank you Mohammed

Mohammed, I thank you greatly for your direct words that I have not heard come from other Arab Israeli people. You are truly brave to speak out. I am happy to see your face and hear your youthful voice speak with pride, strenth and certainty. Be well my friend. And be safe always.

(28)
Avroham,
June 20, 2014 9:04 PM

G-d bless you

G-d bless you Mohammed Zoabi and may He keep you safe. Avroham

(27)
Janine Laura Bronson,
June 20, 2014 8:21 PM

Thank you Mohammad Zoabi for risking your life to share vocally

Dear Mohammad, you have all the talent of a potential fabulous leader and are gifted, talented, fortunate indeed, knowledgeable, and your command of these three languages, English, Arabic and Hebrew, is amazing! Great idea to translate sentence-by-sentence so fluently. I wish that more people would begin to realize that Life is so precious and important. What you share, is truth, and the fact that the three teenagers' lives matter to you too, is also showing that you care, and would like others to join you and those who believe that the prevention of all needless suffering is important to those who are aware of what life is telling us, being alive, vibrant, free to breathe and exist, without fear, to include what is common among those who also breath as we do, rather than look for what is different, to be moderate, seek peace, and continue breathing with ease... Bravo, Mohammad Zoabi, and also thank you Mohammed Dajani, sorry your job was taken away at University, but your books are great-Wasatia to all!!!

(26)
Debbie Litwack,
June 20, 2014 6:59 PM

Brave young man!

Articulate and on target and bright. Speaks SO well in all three languages!I hope he grows up and help repair this world. Stay safe!

(25)
Judy Git,
June 20, 2014 3:41 PM

Why they're afraid to speak up

Among so many others, I have been one to challenge Muslim and Arab friends by asking them why they don't speak up, why they don't wrest control of their religion (to the Muslims) from the extremists who purport to represent them. These latest developments highlight why it is that so many good folks choose to remain silent.

At the same time, I would strongly advise those who DO speak out going forward to adopt a softer tone - "Please bring our boys back" rather than "You'd better bring our boys back." That won't eliminate the threat from fanatics, but it might lessen it. And to all those, like Mohammad, who do speak up my undying gratitude and respect! !כל הכבוד

(24)
Anne,
June 20, 2014 3:18 PM

Amen !

Mohammad you are so brave and stand up for your . The dark side and evil can be extinguished because if G-d is for us who can be against us. There is only one G-d and that is the G- of Israel. As a Judeo Christian I stand with you and Israel, Yeshu promised his diciples 3 things...1. They would be entirely fearless....2. They would be absurdley happy....and 3. Always in trouble! We are doing something right! You go Bro! G-d Bless you and protect you with a wall of fire and an army bigger than anything this earth has ever seen...Love in HIM...

(23)
Susan Anne Woolley,
June 20, 2014 12:13 PM

the comments of his cousin

The comments of Mohammed's cousin, Hanin Zoabi, a Knesset member no less, are unbelievably stupid and hypocritical. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. How can she despise the freedoms that she has, both as an Arab and as a woman, in the only democracy in the Middle East?? But the L-RD G-d of Israel bless Mohammed and many other young Israeli Arabs like him for their brave stance, and may He keep you all safe.

(22)
Jill,
June 20, 2014 11:16 AM

Bless you!

I'm so impressed with Mohammad Zoabi and all those Israeli Arabs who have the courage to stand for what is right and be loyal to their country Israel!!! Bless you and stand firm!

(21)
Miriam,
June 20, 2014 10:22 AM

Anyone with alot of money out there?

What about making a significant gift to this brave young man's bank account? Perhaps that would encourage more young Arabs to stand with Israel.

(20)
Sara,
June 20, 2014 4:42 AM

Young arabs also want freedom

Its natural if young arabs live in Israel and see how teenagers live in freedom, they want the same for their people , Mohamed Zoabi is just a great intelligent teenager willing to live like any other human being with rights and not to fear for their lives. Bring home Eyal, Gilad and Naftali, stop this killing

(19)
ben,
June 20, 2014 2:32 AM

thank you

with more people like in the world, the world will be a lot better. thank you very much. for sporting Israel. please be strong and do not give up.may god bless you, and protect you.

Ben

(18)
ginny powell,
June 20, 2014 12:48 AM

Thank you!!

So many people are afraid to stand up for what is right and what is the truth!! People don't want to get involved! I pray for a special blessing on Mohammed Zoabi and everyone willing to stand up for these boys. G-d please hear the petitions of Your people.Have mercy G-d. Trust in the Lord.

(17)
Leah,
June 20, 2014 12:43 AM

Thank you

Mohammed Zoabi your statements are a true reflection of your sincere,demoncratic, and concerned soul. We appreciate your sense of truth and sincerity. May the One who watches over the Israeli boys, protect us all.

(16)
Keith, UK,
June 19, 2014 7:28 PM

A Very, VERY Brave Young Man

Mohammad.. I do hope you will get to read this.Although I am not actually recognised as being Jewish, I am totally at one with Israel. Israel is my family. I live in the UK and have visited Israel several times and, each time, I have "come home". May I say that I admire you more than I can say and more than a lot of people I have met in my 60 years of life on this earth. G-d bless you mate, and keep you very, very safe. The true G-d is a G-d of peace, not hate, and you really are pleasing Him by your kindness, concern and bravery. I salute you, my friend and along with Israel I am praying for your safety and for the safe return of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali... Keith, UK :)

(15)
Anonymous,
June 19, 2014 5:46 PM

More like him?

I'm willing to bet there are more Arabs like him that are too afraid to speak up - may Hash-m reward him!

(14)
Anonymous,
June 19, 2014 5:45 PM

The generation we've been waiting for

That is the generation of all religions that will bring peace to that blessed area of the world (middle east). The next decade will have lots of surprises that will amaze people all over the world. The time of hatred has passed and it's the time of going foreword together hand-in-hand to build a civilized community where all are equal, a community in which people are judged only for their deeds whether good or bad.

(13)
Marilyn,
June 19, 2014 5:37 PM

May G-d watch over you and your family and bless you. How courageous you are

(12)
Rina,
June 19, 2014 3:50 PM

Awesome

What a very brave young man with lots of courage this Mohammed Zoabi is. I admire him for speaking the truth. May G-D bless him and keep him safe. Am Yisrael Chai.

(11)
Morton Friedman,
June 19, 2014 3:40 PM

Peace

With Mohammed Zoabi, there is a hope for peace, but a , very,slim one. Contrast him with his family, and especially his cousin, Hanin Zoab.

Just when will the Islamic 'community' abrogate the dictates of the Quran for the murder of infidels?

Sending prayers of support for the families of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali.

(8)
Anonymous,
June 19, 2014 8:15 AM

Is he Jewish?

Has anybody checked who his mother is. Many 'muslims' are actually Jewish.

Anonymous,
June 19, 2014 3:43 PM

read the article.

Did you read the article? It says,"Three days after Mohammed Zoabi posted his video, Israeli police arrested three men in his own family, ages 40 to 60, for plotting to cause him harm in retaliation for his video. Zoabi’s mother was also brought in for questioning."

Robin,
June 19, 2014 4:30 PM

What a brave boy!

Mohammed, you are so courageous and so intelligent. I hope someone arranges for you to take your Bagrut exams from home. If you need a place to stay until things calm down you are welcome to stay with me in Philadelphia for as long as you like. I'm very serious.

(7)
Sarah,
June 19, 2014 6:53 AM

What a Brave Boy

Thank you, Mrs. Miller, for writing this special article. Mohammed Zoabi is a brave boy. It's beautiful to see how he shows solidarity with the 3 kidnapped teens. We are constantly praying for their safe & speedy return.

(6)
jacob,
June 18, 2014 11:24 PM

impressive

A very impressive story. One cannot imagine how difficult it must be to resist the peer pressure of his environment. In his ability to see beyond religious and ethnic divisions and to show true concern for the live of three strangers, he seems more mature than most adults.

(5)
Yael,
June 18, 2014 9:31 PM

Wow! What courage! Mohammad Zoabi, I am so moved by your message and bravery. May G-d watch over you in every way.

sarah,
June 19, 2014 4:03 PM

So courageous!!!

I feel the same!! I was so moved with the courage and sincerity of his words! He lighst even more my Jewish soul.Thank you Mohammad!

(4)
Avi,
June 18, 2014 4:58 PM

Thank you

I respect you, appreciate you and I thank you for your courage to speak up for truth, and for being a patriot for your country: Jewish State of Israel. God bless you.

(3)
Dvirah,
June 18, 2014 4:47 PM

Answer & Prayer

In reply to Hanin Zoabi, I would say: well, perhaps they are not "terrorists", but they are definitely criminals!

May G-d watch over and protect Mohammed Zoabi and bring back our boys soon!

(2)
Kasey,
June 18, 2014 3:54 PM

I truly hope that Israel takes every measure necessary to keep this boy safe. May H' bless him for his courage and for his support of the Jewish people and for Eretz Yisroel.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...